For the Reporter

The Auburn Noon Lions Club installed new officers for the coming year on July 1 at the Auburn Golf Course.

The outgoing officers were recognized for their contribution during the last year and several awards were presented.

Yolanda Trout-Manuel, an Auburn City Councilmember, was installed as 2015-2016 president, and will serve as the charitable organization as chief executive for the year.

Along with Trout-Manuel, a full slate of club officers were installed by Past President Pete Lewis, the former mayor of Auburn.

Heidi Harris was presented the Melvin Jones Fellow Award, named after the Lions Club International founder, by past recipient Ron Bohlman. The award, which is the highest form of recognition, embodies humanitarian ideas consistent with the nature and purpose of Lionism. The recipient of the award is considered a model Lion because of the exemplary service to the local club and community in which he or she serves.

Harris, an Auburn resident, who is an associate superintendent with the Auburn School District, has served in several leadership positions, but is best known for her tireless work coordinating the Lions Club’s Students of the Month recognition program and the annual dinner auction, which supports the organization’s sight and hearing programs.

The Lion of the Year Award was presented to Candee Smith of Auburn. The award recipient was voted upon by her peers in recognition of her ºsignificant contribution to the advancement of the clubs goals and objectives for that year. She has been active in building club membership and leading the donation of a park bench for the community.

Outgoing President Ed Butler awarded Julia Wood the President’s Choice Award for her service and continued development and volunteer coordination of the club’s backpack meals – helping the Auburn Food Bank pack and deliver food to children and families in need during the school year.

Lions Club International is the world’s largest service organization, with over 46,000 clubs and 1.4 million members. The charitable arm of the Lions Club aids people in need, specifically the blind and sight impaired, the hard of hearing and deaf and the youth in our community.

The Auburn Noon Lions has nearly 50 members and is one of the most active service organizations in the greater Auburn area.

Community members interested in joining the club are invited to attend a meeting.

The Auburn Noon Lions meets every Tuesday at noon at the Longhorn Barbeque, 635 C St. SW, in Auburn.